That Christmas Magic: Christmas Masquerade / The Gift of Christmas

by Debbie Macomber

Available in one volume for the first time, Christmas Masquerade and The Gift of Christmas, two of Debbie Macomber’s classic holiday novels about finding love and faith and rediscovering oneself.

Christmas Masquerade: After Jo Marie first meets Andrew, her dream man, in the romantic crush of a Mardi Gras parade, she cannot stop thinking about him. But when their paths cross again later that year over the holidays, she’s devastated to discover that Andrew is actually engaged to be married. Jo soon notices, however, that the relationship between Andrew and his fiancée may not be what it seems. In the whirl of Christmas parties and festivities, the spark from Andrew and Jo’s first meeting remains, and though Jo holds back in fear of falling in love with a taken man, it seems his situation is more complicated than what meets the eye.

The Gift of Christmas: Cooper Masters gave Ashley Robbins the gift of her education when he lent her money for school years ago. Now, Ashley has graduated, affirmed her faith, and launched her career. She is able to pay Cooper back the money for her education and has achieved all of her goals—except for confessing her love for Cooper. Faith intertwines with love in this Christmas novel as Ashley works to achieve her final goal of winning Cooper’s heart.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Holiday

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 24, 2024

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Clwseattle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so disappointed and angry that I wasted my time with That Christmas Magic and these old offerings from Debbie Macomber. The two recycled stories in That Christmas Magic, Christmas Masquerade (2016) and The Gift of Christmas (2013) are just not good.

I appreciate that Debbie Macomber’s portrays old fashioned romance with a gentle hand as opposed to overt sexuality with the two romances in That Christmas Magic but the writing is terrible and the plots are simplistic, sophomoric, and yes, constantly repetitive with whining. The overuse of the same tropes, 'simmering eyes', 'lips tight in anger', 'flashing eyes', 'soft smile', 'jaw tight with anger' just feels far too lazy coming from Debbie Macomber.

I don't believe That Christmas Magic is indicative of the sixty plus Debbie Macomber books I've read, beginning with 311 Pelican Court published in 2003. Maybe I was less discerning in my 50's when I read it all those years ago, but if memory serves, the stories offered in That Christmas Magic are nowhere as engaging or well written as they were.

It infuriates me that someone convinced her to cobble together three more of her long ago authored short stories.

I've already removed from my list Country Proposals: Country Bride (1990) / The Courtship of Carol Sommars (2020), Fresh Starts: The Cowboy's Lady 2015 / My Funny Valentine (2007) and The Perfect Mismatch: The First Man You Meet (1992) / Hasty Wedding (1993) that are up for release in the coming weeks. However, I will read any of her new full-length novels, I already have A Christmas Duet on my shelf in queue to read and I'm glad she decided in 2023 she wasn't ready for retirement yet.

2 Stars for while Christmas is indeed magical, That Christmas Magic is not.

[Kathleen Nalley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy escape. Read while traveling or on the beach.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two different stories and both were pretty good.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some Christmas romances feel timeless. Others feel like they were ripped straight from a VHS tape, and That Christmas Magic is absolutely the latter. But here’s the thing: sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re in the mood for. In this collection, Debbie Macomber delivers two holiday romances that check every small-town, twinkly-light-covered, slightly outdated but deeply comforting box. The vibes? Immaculate. The realism? Absolutely nonexistent.

First up, Christmas Masquerade—because nothing says “holiday romance” like an identity swap that could be resolved with one normal conversation. When Jo Marie agrees to attend a holiday ball in place of her boss, she thinks she’s in for an evening of harmless fun, champagne, and maybe a dance or two. What she doesn’t expect? Accidentally charming the town’s most eligible bachelor, with neither of them realizing who the other actually is. The entire premise feels like something straight out of a ‘90s rom-com, in the best and most slightly ridiculous way. The mistaken identity? Flimsy but fun. The romance? Sweet, swoony, and dripping in that “they don’t make them like this anymore” kind of charm. Does it make sense? Not really. Will you care? Also not really.

Then we have The Gift of Christmas, where second chances and holiday magic collide in the way only a Macomber novel can make work. Catherine and Joe were once everything to each other—until they weren’t. Now, years later, life (and, let’s be honest, Christmas itself) decides to throw them back together, forcing them to confront old wounds and lingering feelings. If Christmas Masquerade is all about the thrill of the unexpected, this one is all about reconnecting, rekindling, and remembering why love is worth fighting for. The characters? Messy, heartfelt, and impossible not to root for. The romance? A warm, slow-burning glow that feels like standing too close to the fireplace but in a good way.

At 4 stars, That Christmas Magic is exactly what you expect from Debbie Macomber—cozy, heartfelt, and drenched in nostalgia. Do the stories feel a little dated? Yes. There’s a level of old-school cheesiness baked into every page, from the mistaken-identity trope to the slightly traditional gender dynamics. But if you grew up watching Christmas TV movies where love stories unfolded over holiday parties and gentle misunderstandings, this book is basically a time capsule of that era. The emotional stakes? Low enough that you won’t stress, high enough that you’ll still care. The holiday cheer? Blinding. If you’re looking for sharp, modern, complex romance—look elsewhere. But if you want something light, comforting, and predictable in the best way, consider this your Christmas nostalgia fix. Just don’t overthink it.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can count on Debbie Macomber to provide sweet stories, where nobody's really a bad guy, and everyone gets a happily-ever-after. That's the case with the two stories in this book. The stories are clean: no swearing or sex. The second book is more religious: it's a Christmas story, and one of the conflicts between the main characters is their differing beliefs. As with anything by this author, you can read this book at the end of a stressful day and end up feeling more optimistic.

It's important to note that both stories were written in the early 1980s, when social norms were a bit different. Certain traits - like domineering behavior, possessive jealousy, even stalking - which would raise red flags now, were sometimes considered macho and romantic 40 years ago. In romance books, such behavior was considered acceptable if it alternated with other more generous or considerate behavior. I think the stories read better when you keep the era in mind.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and am thankful for the chance to be able to read and review it.

I did not know it was a reprint of two of Macomber’s early books from the 80s until I started reading it. It was clear that this was one of her earlier books. The storylines were cute (if slightly unbelievable), but the pacing skipped around so much that it was hard to follow along with at times. I found myself going back to reread paragraphs thinking I was missing something in the transition, which I usually don’t ever do. Unfortunately, the pacing took away from the story.

There was also a lack of character development that Macomber has in her recent books and I found it hard to connect with the characters.

Overall, fun, cute stories, but her newer holiday themed stories are definitely much better.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! I sped through the pages to learn of the 2 stories' resolutions! In the first one, Jo Marie meets Andrew during a Mardi Grass event, and realizes he is the man of her dreams, only to finally meet up again months later. To her horror and shock, he becomes engaged to her best friend! In the second story, Ashley knows Cooper at the older man who lends her money to finish school. But now she is older, and they learn to appreciate each other on another level, and realize their differences, as well as their attraction. I especially was drawn to the spiritual development of the characters, which fit nicely into the storyline. While the setting was during Christmastime, it can certainly be enjoyed all year!
I appreciate very much being able to read this book as a result of a giveaway. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Ma'Kayla Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! I didn’t expect to enjoy these two short novels as much as I did. Some of my favorite quotes:

“ Last Sunday I was in answers,
church, sitting in the sanctuary waiting for the service to begin, and I asked God to help me. On the way out of church after the service I saw the car I had given you in the parking lot. Suddenly I knew."…..
"My car? How did my car help?"
"It sounds crazy, I know," he admitted wryly. "But I gave it to you because I love you. Freely, without seeking reimbursement, knowing that you couldn't afford a car. It was my gift to you, because I love you. It suddenly occurred to me that was exactly why Christ died for me. He paid the price because I couldn't."

“Christmas. It's almost too wonderful to believe. God gave His Son in love. And now He's given me you."

[Rose Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of two stories: "Christmas Masquerade" and "The Gift of Christmas." I loved the first one; the second one, I had a hard time getting into: Cooper felt wooden and Ashley just felt very immature and bratty.
Jo Marie meets her dream guy during a brief moment at Mardi Gras. She spends the rest of the year looking for him. When she finally sees him again, he is engaged to her roommate who is also her best friend.

Ashley, a high school teacher, pays back the loan that Cooper has given her so that she can finish her education. Then, they have their first date but Ashley has been in love with Cooper for ten years. She thinks she's not good enough for him because her mother has been his cook for years.

[Stephenee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got a fancy new cover and the publisher forgot to update the synopsis to say this as well as to update any of the outdatedness of the stories. The reader has a hard time getting into this one as there were so many things that are outdated and that the reader stumbles over as they are reading. I wish that the publisher/author let the reader know this ahead of time. It was a slow read that left the reader feeling like they had stepped back in time and not in a good way. An ok read, once you can get into it.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a giveaway. Thank you to Goodreads, Ballentine Books and Debbie Macomber.
I enjoyed both stories in this book. I did struggle with how quickly things happened, in each story. J felt like I didn’t have enough context on the characters before major things were happening between them. I don’t usually read shorter stories, so I am chalking it up to that. These were easy to read, not over loaded with characters. All in all two quick good reads.

[Rose Mcclarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Marie meets the man of her dreams during Mardi Gras but is swept away and loses sight of him, she meets him again but no he is the fiancé of her roommate Kelly and Jo Marie had thought Kelly loved her brother Marc, talk about star crossed lovers, but in the end it works out. Ashley has loved Cooper for over 10 years, but he doesn't seem to notice and there are lots of misunderstanding but finally they work things out. Great read.

[Amie Echeverria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story, Christmas Masquerade, is so painful to read, I almost didn’t finish it. The characters are emotionally immature and there was so much manipulation, deception, whining, and lack of communication… I got so sick of it halfway through, and then it just kept going on and on. The second story, The Gift of Christmas, was much more enjoyable, more realistic, and better written with more mature, relatable characters. Would read that one again.

[Paige Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like Macomber Christmas books but this duet was so unbelievably implausible and farfetched, I did not like either of the books and didn't even finish the second. They were actually gag worthy. Of course, they were both written in the early 1980s so that may explain some of it and I am glad to see the author has improved a lot since then.

[Sierra Brownlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED the first book in this two books smashed into one. The Christmas Masquerade was so detailed in setting it made me want to hop in and live there. The secret that was going on also kept me reading through it fairly quickly.
The second book was sweet but less relatable, still a quick Christmas read!

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I read part of Christmas Masquerade and just couldn’t read anymore. This may have been a bestseller in the 1980s , but it hasn’t aged well. The attitude of the men in the story disgusts me. Female characters were belittled and called fools. Yuck. If the publisher wanted to resell these stories for today’s market, at least update them a bit.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained two stories. These are early books by this author and not even 200 pages. There were a couple of errors, but not enough to alter my liking both stories. They were sweet and uplifting.

[Black Cat Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Debbie Macomber. This is a two in one book. The first story I loved! The second was VERY heavy into being catholic and such. So if that offends you this may not be the book for you. Debbie macomber is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed the characters and the twists in both stories.

[G&D · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories were typical of a Hallmark movie. You know eventually what would happen. I enjoyed reading both stories but felt they were way too long for the outcome. I gave them a five star for content and a good read.

[Sneha Patel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the first novel to be okay to the point where I didn't feel like I want to finish it as quickly as possible. But the second one - The Gift of Christmas was just too boring for my taste. Maybe if I read this in the 1980s I would have enjoyed it much more.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book. the characters were so great the plot was excellent.

[Jackalyn]

Consists of two shorter stories; both very good.

[Payton · Rating 4 out of 5]

the first book was good but I skimmed the second book because there was too much religious talk

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books!

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories were some of Ms. Macomber's earliest work. They were solid but not as enjoyable as her romances from the 90s, which I consider some of her best work.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Masquerade - 4
The Gift of Christmas - 4.5

[Cindy Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very loving and special

Two great books to read. I loved the stories of each. They leave you with love, hope, understanding and commitment.

[Franny Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such great stories. Quick Read. Sweet Romance

[Mallory Doody · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ refreshing & lighthearted read! Was perfect for the Christmas season!

[Tammi Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Debbie MaComber books